From fields and woodlands, rivers and ponds, to city parks and gardens, wherever you are, you can go outdoors and discover wildlife. The beautiful pictures in this book are full of all kinds of birds, butterflies and wild flowers to look out for.

ISBN 9781409598732

Publisher Usborne Publishing Ltd, 2017

Lacey, Minna & Stubbs, Rachel (ill) & Russell, John (ill)

3535

How to build a car

Eli's famous for dreaming big. Sometimes too big. But this time, the mouse has a plan-to build a real race car. If he can get his friends Phoebe and Hank to help, it might just work. And together, they can really go places. Through hard work and perseverance, the three friends learn all about car mechanics and teamwork as they work together to build a miniature racer.

It's Dani's first summer vacation and the best ever. She is staying on an island with her best friend, Ella. Dad is still in hospital but he calls every day, and Ella and Dani stay busy building huts, fishing, exploring and swimming. But, when Dad turns up with his nurse, the visit is not what anyone had imagined.

ISBN 9781776570713

Publisher Gecko Press, 2016

Lagercrantz, Rose & Eriksson, Eva (ill)

820

My happy life

Dani is the happiest person she knows, especially when she makes a best friend when she starts school. They share friendship bracelets, sit together in class and have sleepovers. But how will Dani return to her happiness when Ella moves away.

ISBN 9781877467806

Publisher Gecko Press, 2012

Lagercrantz, Rose & Eriksson, Eva (ill)

15289

Big Ned's bushwalk

Ned's athletic family are worried that he is too quiet. When they send him on a bushwalk and a storm breaks, it is Ned's quiet observation skills that save the day.

Boris is so scary and so ugly he scares himself when he catches a glimpse of himself in a mirror. To be forced to stay in a room full of mirrors would be the worst fate he could imagine. When Boris takes up ballet, he must face his worst fears.

This girl is kinda neat and tidy and likes to do things like this. She likes things to be organised. Right next door lives that girl who likes to do things like that. She's not so tidy. and likes things to be a little unexpected. Although they are neighbours, the girls are miles apart. But, one day, with a little help from their dads, the girls make a surprising discovery.

The kraken, a giant squid from Norse mythology, is extremely tired and has swum from the warm waters of Bermuda to the colder waters of Britain for a long sleep. But, if it falls asleep beneath the British Isles, the bubbles from its snoring will thin the water and Britain and Europe will sink. Zeus needs William's help to wake the kraken before Europe disappears below the waves.

ISBN 9781406307061

Publisher Walker Books, 2008

Landman, Tanya & Collins, Ross (ill)

47236

Danny Blue's really excellent dream

Danny Blue lives in a world where everything is blue. And while there are many different shades and hues, everything is essentially the same. Until the night Danny sees something in a dream that is unlike anything else...

Harry Highpants hates corned beef with white sauce but he is not allowed to leave the table until he finishes his meal. Harry is very thin so his parents serve it to him every night so that he will become big and strong. Harry needs to find a way to cope.

To most people, Harry Highfield is just an ordinary boy who wears his pants a little higher than you'd expect. During school holidays, however, Harry gets out his cape and becomes a superhero. When his brother loses his best cricket ball over the fence, Harry has a chance to use his superhero powers to retrieve it.

A younger version of the Zac Power series provides adventure and easy reads. Any two titles read from this series can be included as official Challenge books; up to five more titles can be included as your personal choice books. To see the individual book titles and their PRC ID numbers, go to the Series lists on the Booklists page on the website. Or, you can search for a series name or the individual titles by using the Search function on the top left hand corner of the screen.

Series
Zac Power test drive and spy camp series
(24 books)

Larry, H I

80097

Zac Power test drive: Zac's bank bust

Zac has two new gadgets to test drive. He hopes they will be enough to stop a bank robbery.

ISBN 9781921502095

Series
Zac Power test drive and spy camp series
(7 of 24)

Publisher Hardie Grant Egmont, 2009

Larry, H I

15929

Zac Power test drive: Zac's double dare

Zac has two new gadgets to test drive. Will they help him get the secret GIB plans back.

Zac has two new gadgets to test drive. He's trying to stop the blimp from crashing.

ISBN 9781921502132

Series
Zac Power test drive and spy camp series
(11 of 24)

Publisher Hardie Grant Egmont, 2009

Larry, H I

69960

Zac Power test drive: Zac's shark attack

Zac has two new gadgets which he hopes will chase sharks away from swimmers.

ISBN 9781921502101

Series
Zac Power test drive and spy camp series
(8 of 24)

Publisher Hardie Grant Egmont, 2009

Larry, H I

65634

Zac Power test drive: Zac's skate break

Zac has two new gadgets to test drive. He has to rescue someone at the skate park.

ISBN 9781921502149

Series
Zac Power test drive and spy camp series
(12 of 24)

Publisher Hardie Grant Egmont, 2009

Larry, H I

42271

Zac Power test drive: Zac's ski mission

Zac has two new gadgets to test drive. He wants to use them to save a man lost in the snow.

ISBN 9781921502071

Series
Zac Power test drive and spy camp series
(6 of 24)

Publisher Hardie Grant Egmont, 2009

Larry, H I

20705

Zac Power test drive: Zac's space race

Zac urgently needs to escape from the space lasers.

ISBN 9781921502187

Series
Zac Power test drive and spy camp series
(16 of 24)

Publisher Hardie Grant Egmont, 2010

Larry, H I

81306

Zac Power test drive: Zac's sticky fix

Zac has two new gadgets to test drive. He wonders if they will work, even deep under the water.

ISBN 9781921502064

Series
Zac Power test drive and spy camp series
(4 of 24)

Publisher Hardie Grant Egmont, 2009

Larry, H I

30788

Zac Power test drive: Zac's water world

Zac has two new gadgets to find out who is sending fake missions.

ISBN 9781921502125

Series
Zac Power test drive and spy camp series
(10 of 24)

Publisher Hardie Grant Egmont, 2009

Larry, H I

60841

Zac Power test drive: Zac's wild rescue

Zac has two new gadgets to test drive. They are tested by Zac's wild rescue at the zoo.

ISBN 9781921502040

Series
Zac Power test drive and spy camp series
(2 of 24)

Publisher Hardie Grant Egmont, 2009

Larry, H I

5752

Can I touch your hair?

Two young children from different racial and cultural backgrounds are asked to collaborate on a set of poems. They write about lots of different subjects showing their very different perspectives on issues such as religion, identity and friendship, finally coming to some kind of understanding of each other and the world they live in.

ISBN 9781512404425

Publisher Carolrhoda Books, 2018

Latham, Irene & Walters, Charles & Allko, Selina & Qualls, Sean

34022

Gold for Cathy Freeman

The story of Cathy Freeman winning gold at the Olympic games. Great photos and a full biography are included.

Any two titles read from this series can be included as official Challenge books; up to five more titles can be included as your personal choice books. To see the individual book titles and their PRC ID numbers, go to the Series lists on the Booklists page, on the website. Or, you can search for a series name or the individual titles by using the Search function on the top left hand corner of the screen.

Series
Gym Stars series
(3 books)

Lawes, Jane

38009

Gym Stars: Friendships and Backflips

Tara, new to the sport of acrobatic gymnastics, has just been asked to enter a regional competition. She is extremely excited but knows she has to work long and hard to be able to achieve success with her partner. Sadly her other friends see this as a rejection, and Tara has to decide how to combine hours of training and friendship.

ISBN 9781474922944

Series
Gym Stars series
(2 of 3)

Publisher Usborne Publishing Ltd, 2012

Lawes, Jane

4863

Gym stars: Handsprings and homework

Tara continues to follow her dream in her attempt to reach national championships in acrobatic gymnastics. She begins to understand there is more to sport than practise. She must learn how to manage the demands of school with the demands of her selected sport. Can she do it?

ISBN 9781474922951

Series
Gym Stars series
(3 of 3)

Publisher Usborne Publishing Ltd, 2012

Lawes, Jane

10368

Gym Stars: Summertime and Somersaults

Eleven-year-old Tara is a keen backyard gymnast who dearly wants to be allowed to join the highly successful local Silverdale Gymnastic Club. Luckily her father, who just wants a bit of peace and quiet, enrols her for a week-long holiday camp. Tara's hard work begins to pay off when she is selected to join the acrobatic group and train with them for upcoming competitions. Hopefully she be able to master the necessary skills to participate as an acrobat in the town summer fete.

ISBN 9781474922937

Series
Gym Stars series
(1 of 3)

Publisher Usborne Publishing Ltd, 2012

Lawes, Jane

5175

Guide dogs: from puppies to partners

The making of guide dogs in Australia, from the breeding of puppies. Beautiful photos show puppy raising, harness training, matching with a blind partner and their eventual careers.

Dottie Devine has only one friend, Paraphernalia the hen, who visits regularly. They share breakfast and trips into town. When Dottie doesn't collect the eggs for a dew days, Paraphanalia has a wonderful surprise for her and more friends come into their lives.

Charlie's gran is different - she doesn't go to the football, make cakes or work in the garden. The story of Charlie and his gran is one of love and complete acceptance told through soft, watercolour illustrations.

This is the story of Raymond. An ordinary dog who, for a while, led an extraordinary life.

ISBN 9781406362428

Publisher Walker Books, 2017

Le Bec, Yann & Le Bec, Gwendel (ill)

9392

Story of Ferdinand, The

Ferdinand is mistaken for a fierce bull when he is stung by a bee. In this classic tale, it turns out that Ferdinand would much rather smell the flowers than take on the bullfighter.

ISBN 9780448421902

Publisher Grosset and Dunlap (Penguin Putnam), 2000

Leaf, Munro

62032

Nonsense verse

This book brings new life to five of Edward Lear's best-loved nonsense verses. Zany characters leap across the pages in a colourful, fantasy world, where nothing is quite what it seems and anything is possible.

ISBN 9781851497041

Publisher Antique Collectors Club, 2005

Lear, Edward

9393

Quangle Wangle's hat, The

The Quangle Wangle Quee is a tree-dwelling creature obscured by an enormous hat. He is lonely, but not for long. One animal after another sees the hat as a possible home in this classic poem.

ISBN 9780749713362

Publisher Egmont Childrens, 1994

Lear, Edward & Oxenbury, Helen (ill)

120066

Sticky Burr

Sticky Burr is a special burr who lives in Burrwood Forest with all the other burrs. He has lots of adventures, wins through in the end and becomes something of a hero. Through the book, he enlists the aid of a friendly dragonfly and is pursued by a pack of wild dogs whom he outwits.

ISBN 9780763630546

Publisher Candlewick Press, 2007

Lechner, John

4543

Edie Amelia and the monkey shoe mystery

Edie Amelia Sparks is a neat girl with very messy parents. While checking that her party outfit for her ninth birthday is in order, she discovers that one of her most treasured possessions is missing. As Edie Amelia sets out to solve the mystery, there is lots of fun as she chases a trail that involves her father, a piece of purple paper, a shadowy tall man, exotic settings and lots of food.

A mysterious illness, with very strange symptoms, is spreading through Runcible, throwing the townsfolk into a panic. Edie Amelia Sparks, nine year old detective extraordinaire, sets out to investigate. With her new best friend, Cheesy Chompster, and Mr Pants, her French bulldog, Edie begins the hunt for a cure and encounters some rather unusual things along the way.

A girl visits her Grandfather's house. Grandpa pours tea from a watering can and a kangaroos washes the dishes. Lots more funny jokes and odd events happen.

ISBN 9781865045658

Publisher Scholastic Australia, 2003

Legge, David

17130

Hubert and the magic glasses

Sadly, the Able Ants are not the best soccer team in the district and Hubert is not the best player. He loves soccer but his skills are getting worse, not better. Maybe, magic glasses could be the answer.

Silver is a struggling sorcerer and after failing his test, he is sent to be a magician in a circus, where he wants to prove himself.

ISBN 9781921928499

Series
Little Rockets series
(9 books)

Publisher New Frontier Publishing, 2013

Lemon-Scott, Candice & Wolf, Janet (ill)

6453

Postcards from the town that disappeared

Describes a way of life in the Tasmanian bush in the early 1900s including the pioneering spirit of the people as well as the basic conditions in which they live. Told through letter extracts and illustrations.

ISBN 9780958537612

Publisher Forest Eductaion Foundation Inc. Tas, 2005

Lendis, Celia & John

33787

Bones

Find out about the incredible hard bits under your skin, your bones, and what you'd look like if you didn't have any. This book tells you where you can find your smallest and biggest bones, why your fingers bend more than your toes, how your bones are held together and how they heal if you break them.

ISBN 9780091893453

Series
Little genius series
(4 books)

Publisher Random House Australia Pty Ltd, 2006

Lennard, Kate & Gulliksen, Eivind (ill)

7244

Brains

Find out all about that incredible machine inside your head, your brain. This book tells you what your brain would feel like if you could touch it, which bit of your brain does what, how it remembers things and what it gets up to while you're fast asleep.

ISBN 9780764136702

Series
Little genius series
(4 books)

Publisher Random House Australia Pty Ltd, 2007

Lennard, Kate & Gulliksen, Eivind (ill)

64900

Digestion

Find out what happens to your food when you swallow it, what your stomach looks like inside and why it sometimes makes strange noises.

ISBN 9781862307452

Series
Little genius series
(4 books)

Publisher Random House Australia Pty Ltd, 2009

Lennard, Kate & Gulliksen, Eivind (ill)

4246

Eyes

Find out all about your eyes and the way they work. This book will also tell you why some creatures have eyes on the sides of their head and what to do if your eyes don't work.

ISBN 9781862307476

Series
Little genius series
(4 books)

Publisher Random House Australia Pty Ltd, 2009

Lennard, Kate & Gulliksen, Eivind (ill)

Little genius series

Find out all sorts of interesting information about how your body works. Any two titles read from this series can be included as official Challenge books; up to five more titles can be included as your personal choice books. To see the individual book titles and their PRC ID numbers, go to the Series lists on the Booklists page on the website. Or, you can search for a series name or the individual titles by using the Search function on the top left hand corner of the screen.

Series
Little genius series
(4 books)

Lennard, Kate & Gulliksen, Eivind (ill)

35571

A is for Australian Animals

Australia is full of the most amazing animals on the planet! What animal has 6 thumbs? What animal produces square poo? What animal is made of 95 per cent water and is highly venomous? Discover the answers to these questions and more in this factastic tour of Australian animals.

Join Grace and her family on their adventurous and, sometimes, funny expedition around Australia. A warm, heartfelt story based on an actual journey undertaken by the award-winning author and illustrator, Alison Lester.

Set during the second World War in Vienna at the Spanish Riding School famous for their Lipizzaners - the dancing white horses. Nina and her father must help the last of the horses flee the city. Nina's faith in an extraordinary old horse makes this an unforgettable story of courage, adventure and friendship.

Sophie Scott is only nine years old but she's going to Antarctica on an icebreaker with her dad, the ship's captain. During the voyage to Mawson Station and back, Sophie keeps a diary. She makes new friends, wonders at the southern lights and even becomes stranded in a blizzard.

When Bonnie and Sam find a fabulous picture of a girl balancing on a horse, they decide to enter the local Talent Night with some trick riding of their own. They decide that Tricky and Bonnie will make the perfect team. When they find out that animals are not allowed in the talent night. it seems like the end of their dream.

Bonnie and Sam have a great summer adventure with the horses, mustering sheep for Bon's Aunty and Uncle along the coast. They unexpectedly find themselves caught up with some poachers who are illegally fishing abalone in Whale Bay.

It's time for the Royal Show and Bonnie and Sam are going to help their riding teacher get ready for a big competition. There's so much to do and remember but everything changes when the girls stumble across a sad, starving pony in a backyard near the showgrounds.

Gus lives in a big park in the middle of an even bigger city, and he spends his days with Ida. Ida is right there. Always. Then one sad day, Gus learns that Ida is very sick, and she isn't going to get better. The friends help each other face the difficult news with whispers, sniffles, cuddles, and even laughs. Slowly Gus realises that even after Ida is gone, she will still be with him- through the sounds of their city, and the memories that live in their favourite spots.

ISBN 9781742761909

Publisher Koala Books, 2017

Levis, Caron & Santoso, Charles

5756

Gloria's voice

Gloria Steinem is known as a leader of the feminist movement and a trailblazer who fights for equality for all people. This unofficial biography for young readers tells her story, from being a young girl with big dreams to her inspiring travels in India to the launch of Ms. (a magazine), which gave women a voice. Gloria's message of believing in yourself and following your dreams will inspire a whole new generation.

A bull seal loses his dominion as beachmaster over his section of beach and takes on a nearby car park, falling for a Morris Minor car. Whimsical story set in New Zealand, with lots of factual information about seals and their habits.

ISBN 9781869484286

Publisher Reed Publishing, 2006

Liddell, Carmel & Potter, Bruce (ill)

47244

Nelly Jelly and the magnificent tree

There is only one thing that Nelly dislikes more than jelly and that's heights. In fact, she is terrified of high places. But when she has to climb the magnificent tree to rescue her younger sister's doll, Nelly has to not only face her greatest fear but a series of soggy, squishy and sticky things.

ISBN 9781925563184

Publisher Wombat Books, 2017

Limbrick, Lisa & Trappel, Jemima (ill)

4462

Tom Topp and the great adventure swap

Tom Topp has great plans for the weekend. His three older brothers are all doing really cool things, ice-skating, water skiing and hiking. The problem is choosing which one of them to go with. Actually, that's not the problem. Tom has broken a leg so he can't go with any of his brothers. Instead, Tom gets to go shopping with his mother where the most embarrassing things start to happen. Worst of all, he's stuck in an old wheelchair that smells like rotten eggs.

Everyone's excited about the wonderful Summertown Parade. But, the town's Mayor has disappeared so the parade might not happen. Is Croc the naughty Hoozle behind the trouble? And, can Willow and friends find the mayor in time for everyone to enjoy the special day?

ISBN 9780571248063

Series
The Hoozles series
(4 of 4)

Publisher Faber & Faber, 2010

Little, Jessie & Dann, Penny (ill)

63636

Hoozles: My magical teddy

While their parents are abroad for work, Willow and her brother Freddie are excited to be sent to the seaside village of Summertown to live with their Auntie Suzy. Aunt Suzy is a toymaker who owns the best toy shop in the world, full of all kinds of wonders. But, her best toys by far are the Hoozles, individually made for each child who wants one. Willow is about to discover that there is something very special about the Hoozles: something magical.

ISBN 9780571247912

Series
The Hoozles series
(1 of 4)

Publisher Faber & Faber, 2010

Little, Jessie & Dann, Penny (ill)

29108

Hoozles: Naughty croc, The

When Jack comes to Aunt Suzy's special toy shop looking for a friend, Willow and Freddie know just what he needs, a Hoozle. But, soon, Croc the naughty Hoozle is making trouble for everyone.

ISBN 9780571248049

Series
The Hoozles series
(2 of 4)

Publisher Faber & Faber, 2010

Little, Jessie & Dann, Penny (ill)

57391

Hoozles: Penguin problem, The

Grouchy the penguin Hoozle is feeling poorly and naughty Croc is causing trouble all over Summertown. Willow and her Hoozle pals must help Grouchy get better before Croc makes things much worse.

ISBN 9780571248056

Series
The Hoozles series
(3 of 4)

Publisher Faber & Faber, 2010

Little, Jessie & Dann, Penny (ill)

The Hoozles series

Any two titles read from this series can be included as official Challenge books; up to five more titles can be included as your personal choice books. To see the individual book titles and their PRC ID numbers, go to the Series lists on the Booklists page on the website. Or, you can search for a series name or the individual titles by using the Search function on the top left hand corner of the screen.

Series
The Hoozles series
(4 books)

Little, Jessie & Dann, Penny (ill)

15426

Mark of the Wagarl, The

The story tells of the travels and responsibilities of Wagarl, the big boss of all snakes, and how he keeps the waterways clean in Noongar country.

Every night while his human, Peter, studies the stars, Pepi the parrot sings a special space song. Pepi loves singing but he's getting a little tired of space. So, one day, he decides to step out into the neighbourhood to find some new things to sing about.

ISBN 9781416991380

Publisher Simon & Schuster, 2010

Ljungkvist, Laura

9490

Caves

An introduction to how sea and underground caves are made and the unusual rock formations and animal life that are found in them.

ISBN 9781588109682

Publisher Heinemann, 2002

Llewellyn, Claire

9492

Volcanoes

An introduction to volcanoes and how they work, describing their formation, the destructive forces and benefits of them.

ISBN 9780431023762

Publisher Heinemann, 2000

Llewellyn, Claire

9491

What are Coral reefs

An introduction to the formation, location, and types of coral reefs, as well as threats to them and efforts to preserve them.

One of the Minibeasts series, describing the physical characteristics, behaviour and habitat of the earthworm.

ISBN 9780531146514

Publisher Watts Publishing Group, 2002

Llewellyn, Claire & Watts, Barrie

9495

Spiders

One of the Minibeasts series, describing the physical characteristics, behaviour and habitat of spiders.

ISBN 9780531146521

Publisher Watts Publishing Group, 2002

Llewellyn, Claire & Watts, Barrie

9496

Splish, Splosh, why do we wash

An appealing investigation into simple science treating concepts that include wave action, soap, buoyancy, water temperature and mirrors.

ISBN 9780753404263

Publisher Kingfisher, 2000

Lobb, Janice

12676

Ready, steady, grow

From sowing to harvesting, you can grow all kinds of plants, fruits and vegetables, from tasty tomatoes to pet-friendly plants. You don't even need a garden.

ISBN 9781740337717

Publisher Dorling Kindersley, 2010

Lock, Deborah (ed)

8194

Ziba came on a boat

A moving story about a little girl whose family has lost almost everything. Ziba, her mother, and other women and children from a tiny village escape the approaching war in Afghanistan to travel in an overcrowded fishing boat to a new life and freedom.

ISBN 9780670028610

Publisher Viking UK, 2007

Lofthouse, Liz & Ingpen, Robert (ill)

74181

Bat and the crocodile, The

This story comes from the Aboriginal people at Warmun (Turkey Creek) in Western Australia. It was told in the Kija language. Describes why bats now live in caves because of the killing of a fellow creature.

Told by George Lirrmiyarri of the Kija people to children living in Warmun, Western Australia. One of a series of Aboriginal stories about animals and birds. A battle of wits, between a hills kangaroo and a plains kangaroo over some bush honey, leads to an interesting outcome.

Based on the story told by Daisy Utemorrah of the Worora people to children living in Derby, Western Australia. One of a series of Aboriginal stories about animals and birds. Dunbi the owl is discovered in a tree by some children who soon learn the consequences of mistreating him.

Gray Wolf loses his mate and finds a new one during a winter of survival.

ISBN 9780811841412

Publisher Chronicle Books, 2004

London, Jonathan & Van Zyle, Jon

2848

Football high: Face-off

Nick has proven himself by helping the Cannons through the early rounds of the State Cup. Now that his talented rival, Kane Kruger, is at a different school and a sports agent is checking out Nick's talent on the field, his dream of playing professional football, like his superstar dad, looks a lot closer. If only the rest of high school was as easy. The National School of Football has a strict 'no pass, no play' rule and when Nick fails History, he is in danger of being thrown out of the Cannons altogether.

At the National School of Football, Nick has made the rep squad and is play maker for the Cannons. However, living in the shadow of his famous footballer father hasn't become any easier, especially since Nick is struggling to keep a secret from everyone at school. With rival Kane Kruger stirring Nick at every opportunity, the truth looks set to be exposed, along with his cool, his cred and his footballing ability. To top it off, there's also the little problem of girls. Grace won't give Nick the time of day and Lexi won't leave him alone.

After winning the State Cup, Nick and his team are off to Western Australia to compete in the National Junior Schoolboys Championship. Nick gains a new rival in the tough-talking Jayden. But, there are other things on his mind. Nick's been offered the opportunity to trial with the Arsenal Youth Academy. It could be the chance of a lifetime but it will mean leaving his friends and moving to England to live with his football legend dad. When Nick's teammates find out, they're not impressed, especially his best mate, Bazzo.

Twelve year old Nick dreams about football and his dreams are big. When he wins a scholarship to the prestigious National School of Football, Nick's dreams look set to come true. He figures his time at the NSF will be unforgettable. But, when word gets out that his dad is a former Socceroo and Arsenal star, Nick's prediction comes true in the worst possible way. All eyes are now on him.

Contains fascinating factual information about vikings with plenty of descriptions and images.

ISBN 9780756642204

Series
Eyewonder series
(22 books)

Publisher Dorling Kindersley, 2009

Love, Carrie & Mack, Lorrie

21203

Julian is a mermaid

While riding the subway home with his Nana one day, Julian notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train carriage. When Julian gets home, daydreaming of the magic he's seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies and making his own fabulous mermaid costume. But what will Nana think about the mess he makes - and even more importantly - what will she think about how Julian sees himself?

Nutmeg lives a very dull life with her old Uncle Nicodemus and Cousin Nesbitt. They eat nothing but cardboard for breakfast, string for lunch and sawdust for supper. Then, when Nutmeg meets a genie who gives her a magic wooden spoon, her life changes.

ISBN 9781842705636

Publisher Andersen Press Ltd, 2008

Lucas, David

12737

Robot and the bluebird, The

There was once a robot with a broken heart, good for nothing and expiring slowly on a scrap heap. Then, one winter's day, a migrating bluebird lands on his shoulder, too exhausted to go any further.

ISBN 9781842707326

Publisher Random House Australia Pty Ltd, 2008

Lucas, David

8562

Crooked Mick

Crooked Mick can do anything, even ride lighning bolts bareback. There's no-one else like him in the Outback. And, he can turn up anywhere, at any time.

Riley has lots of adventures that involve saving animals. Any two books from this series may be read as Challenge books; up to five more can be read as personal choice books. Go to the Series lists for individual book titles.

Series
Adventures of Riley series
(8 books)

Lumry, Amanda & Hurwitz, Laura (ill)

14101

Adventures of Riley: dolphins in danger

Riley travels to the South Pacific island of Moorea with his Uncle Max, Aunt Martha and Cousin Alice. Their mission is to study spinner dolphins and enjoy swimming, having surfing lessons and close encounters with humpback whales. When several dolphins become trapped in a local lagoon, Riley may not realise that he holds the key to their survival.

ISBN 9780545068406

Series
Adventures of Riley series
(8 books)

Publisher Scholastic US, 2010

Lumry, Amanda & Hurwitz, Laura (ill)

2934

Adventures of Riley: outback odyssey

Riley, his cousin Alice, Aunt Martha and Uncle Max visit the Australian outback to research the local koala population, suffering due to drought, bushfires and farming in its natural habitat. While staying at a working sheep station, they see lots of native animals and Riley saves the sheep from a wild dingo. Scientists appearing in small portraits provide factual information about koalas and their habitat.

Riley and family fly north to Canada, to watch polar bears. There's just one problem: no ice. For polar bears, no ice means no seals, and without food, the bears can quickly become hungry, weak, and dangerous.

ISBN 9780545068383

Series
Adventures of Riley series
(8 books)

Publisher Scholastic Australia, 2010

Lumry, Amanda & Hurwitz, Laura (ill)

2844

Adventures of Riley: project panda

Riley, who is nine, receives a call for help from his Uncle Max a globe-trotting, research scientist. This time they must find a missing panda in the Jiuzhaigou Valley, twelve hundred kilometres west of Beijing, China. Scientists appearing in small portraits provide factual information about pandas and their habitat.

Journey to Australia's Great Barrier Reef with Riley and his family as they see what's up down under. Large areas of the coral reef are dying and they need to find out why. Joined by Wyland, world-renowned marine artist and conservationist, the crew faces giant starfish, great white sharks and even poachers in their search for answers.

Riley embarks on an expedition with his aunt, his cousin and his Uncle Max to track animals in South Africa. Scientists appearing in small portraits provide factual information about animals native to South Africa and their habitat.

ISBN 9780545068260

Series
Adventures of Riley series
(8 books)

Publisher Scholastic US, 2009

Lumry, Amanda & Hurwitz, Laura (ill)

25258

Adventures of Riley: South Pole penguins

Riley joins Uncle Max on a voyage to the South Pole to find out if the penguins of Antarctica are getting their fill of krill, or whether climate change has reshaped the food web. Home to whales, seals, penguins and most of the world's ice, Antarctica is the coldest place on Earth. Riley learns valuable lessons about survival and cooperation.

Riley journeys to the Terai Arc region of India and Nepal in search of the elusive Bengal tiger. Riley's research leads to exciting encounters with some weird and wild animals, such as an Asian rhino and a king cobra, and a better understanding of the local culture.

A tall story full of cheerful nonsense with gaps in the text interpreted in hilarious ways by the illustrations. Going to the shop with Granny turns out to be much more exciting than you could possibly imagine.